Invasive Plants of the United States

camelthorn

Fabales > Fabaceae > Alhagimaurorum Medik

Camelthorn is a perennial shrub that grows 2-3 ft. (0.6-0.9 m) tall. Small, pea-like flowers are produced in June to August. These brown to maroon flowers extend from sharp yellow spines of 1 to 2 in. (2.5-5 cm) in length located along the rigid branches. Seed pods are constricted between the individual seeds and are tipped with a small beak. Camelthorn is found in arid, agricultural areas and riverbanks of the western U.S. where it has access to water during the growing season. The plant rapidly colonizes an area by producing new plants from its creeping roots. It is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia and was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s as a contaminant in alfalfa seed.

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